The Catskill Chronicle

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – On September 16, Donna and Phil Vallone of Roscoe, were honored with the 25th annual SYDA Foundation Community Service Award.

The Vallones, who own Rolling V Bus Corporation, were recognized for their long-standing commitment to community service, and in particular, their promotion of driver safety among young people.

Since 1986, the SYDA Foundation has presented this annual award to a local citizen as a way of  acknowledging and celebrating their outstanding service to the community.

The SYDA Foundation, based in Sullivan County, is the not-for-profit organization that makes Siddha Yoga meditation available to students around the world.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Community Service Award, Arnold Drogen, one of the SYDA Foundation trustees, presented the Vallones with a check for $5,000.

The Vallones were honored for the care and safety with which their bus company regularly transports over 6,000 Sullivan and Ulster County school children to and from school.

In his acceptance speech, Phil thanked the SYDA Foundation by saying, “SYDA is an organization that leads by example. Their commitment and contribution to this community are tremendous.” He also spoke movingly of the satisfaction he feels at the end of each school day when the last of their bus drivers reports that their charges have been safely transported back home.

Mrs. Vallone said her dedication to community service began with her parents as role models. She spoke of her deep love of family – her own as well as the extended family that comprises her community.

The award ceremony was attended by a number of state and county officials and past award recipients, including last year’s recipients, The Honorable Anthony and Mrs. Nancy Kane.

New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther presented a proclamation from the State Assembly, and Julie Allen presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Sullivan County Legislator David Sager presented a certificate of appreciation from the Sullivan County Legislature.

Phil and Donna Vallone were introduced at the ceremony by Linda DeSabato, Phil‘s sister and vice president of Rolling V Bus Corporation. She told how in 2006, a fatal highway accident involving two Livingston Manor teens motivated the Vallones to locally fund and sponsor “Alive at 25,” a nationwide driver-safety program offered by area schools, and attended by thousands of young local drivers.

As a part of the festivities, Kenny Werner, an internationally recognized jazz musician who lives in South Fallsburg, serenaded the Vallones and the audience with his improvisation on the inspiring ballad, “Somewhere,” by Leonard Bernstein.